organelle

[ awr-guh-nel, awr-guh-nel ]

noun

1. Cell Biology. a specialized part of a cell having some specific function; a cell organ.

organelle

/ ˌɔːɡəˈnɛl /

noun

1. a structural and functional unit, such as a mitochondrion, in a cell or unicellular organism

organelle

/ ôr′gə-nĕl′ /

1. A structure or part that is enclosed within its own membrane inside a cell and has a particular function. Organelles are found only in eukaryotic cells and are absent from the cells of prokaryotes such as bacteria. The nucleus, the mitochondrion, the chloroplast, the Golgi apparatus, the lysosome, and the endoplasmic reticulum are all examples of organelles. Some organelles, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, have their own genome (genetic material) separate from that found in the nucleus of the cell. Such organelles are thought to have their evolutionary origin in symbiotic bacteria or other organisms that have become a permanent part of the cell.

Word History and Origins

Origin of organelle¹

1905–10; < New Latin organella, diminutive of Latin organum organ; -elle

Word History and Origins

Origin of organelle¹

C20: from New Latin organella, from Latin organum: see organ

Example Sentences

It would mark the first time synthetic vaults have been injected into humans, and perhaps the beginning of a new turn in the spotlight for these mysterious organelles.

From Science Magazine

In addition, reduced ergosterol levels also trigger a second "self-destruct" pathway, which causes the cell to "self-eat" its own nuclei and other vital organelles -- a process known as macroautophagy.

From Science Daily

Mitochondria, the energy-generating organelles in cells, can over time suffer damage because of reactive oxygen species, the noxious byproducts of metabolism, or other causes.

From Science Magazine

Plant cells possess a whole host of specialized structures known as organelles, of which two particularly important ones are the chloroplasts and mitochondria.

From Science Daily

Previous evolutionary trees of plants built by scientists often used the genome of the chloroplast, the organelle that allows plants to perform photosynthesis.

From New York Times